Just like any tool or device that generates revenue for your business, a high quality truck scale should perform reliably for many years. But, with many years of use comes years of changing seasons. And, in many areas throughout the United States, a truck scale may be affected by winter weather conditions such as extreme temperatures, along with snow and ice.
Once you’ve invested in a truck scale and installed it in an area that experiences freezing temperatures, you may wonder… How do I protect my truck scale from ice and snow, and precipitation build up around a truck scale?
If snow and ice accumulate around suspension components or between the weighbridge and the foundation, it can compromise scale functions. This can result in incorrect weighments and a potential loss of profit. Even if you manage to avoid the snow, build up of dirt and debris may contain moisture which can freeze and prevent a scale from functioning properly.
Removing Snow around a Truck Scale Weighbridge
If your scale has been exposed to snow, it may be time to consider snow removal services. It can be tedious to carefully remove slush and snow from the surface of a scale using a shovel or a broom. So, scale owners will often opt to use power equipment. A plow is typically the first choice, but this may not be the best solution when dealing with a highly sensitive weighing instrument, like a truck scale.
A powered rotary brush or snow blower will often prove less damaging than a snowplow, which operates using a blade that could damage the top deck of the scale weighbridge. A snow blower is often a better choice with snowfall over two inches as it moves the snow away from the area around the scale.
When snow builds up next to a scale, it can drift underneath it, causing suspension parts to become frozen in place. If snow blows under the scale, it may become incapable of weighing properly snow that melts and refreezes can cause ice to form around scale components and load cells, resulting in inaccurate weight readings.
Hay Bales around the Weighbridge
Some scale owners place hay bales or similar type barriers around the perimeter of the scale weighbridge to prevent snow from blowing under the scale. Down south, ice storms can be equally damaging to truck scales, as freezing rain may build up on suspension components and on weighbridge joints designed to flex the weighbridge surface. Then the weighbridge can become extremely dangerous to walk on. Removing the ice can be very difficult as well.
Steam cleaning equipment is often used to remove ice build up on a scale and it’s safer than using chemicals.
We hope this entry will help you better understand the effects of winter weather and how it can affect your truck scale. If you need some assistance with your scales and weighing equipment, be sure to get in touch with us.